Modern Adaptations of Romeo and Juliet

For this project, your group will need to adapt a part of Romeo and Juliet into a modern setting using modernized language. Each student will write an individual proposal to present to the class, and then we will decide on which ideas to move forward with in small groups. Plan on the final versions of these mini adaptation projects to be 5-10 minutes long.

For your adaptation proposal, please write a 500-word blog post explaining your idea and enumerating the details of how it would work like you did in the "party" activity. Specifically, you need to explain what part (scenes) of Romeo and Juliet you want to adapt, your vision for how it will be unique and appealing to audiences, the tone or feeling you want to create (comedic, tragic, etc.), which characters would be featured in it and how those characters and plot points will work in a modernized version. Additionally, explain the setting of the adaptation (Cheshire Coffee, VDP, etc.) and where you would stage it (in the Black Box, outside on the field, etc.) and what costumes, props, lighting, music, or other theatrical elements you would want to include. Finally, please note all the reasons why you think this version would be a good choice for groups to stage in our class.

If you are not sure where to start, peruse the various adaptations I have posted as examples on the Topics page of the class portal.